F-3 PEOPLE FILES
- Tyler Francke - Jentezen Franklin - Joshua Franklin - Robert Franklin - Landry Franks - Douglas R Frayne - Daniel Fredrick -Guy Frederick - Curtis Freeman - David French - Larry Fricke - Aaron Fry - Ralph Fudge - Dean Fulks - Carlton Funderburke - Timothy R Furnish - Steven Furtick -
==tyler francke======
Nov 7, 2014: Tyler Francke: ‘If there is one story that should go viral … it is this one’
Sept 22, 2014: Breathecast: Creationist Ken Ham Fires Back at Christian Evolutionist Tyle Francke; Says Science Uses 'Man's Opinions' [AUDIO]
The always informative and yet sometimes controversial Bad Christian Podcast caught the attention of Creationist Ken Ham when he was informed of their interview with Tyler Francke. The Christian scientist provided a rebuttal toward some of Francke's thoughts on the origins of life.
Jan 30, 2014: Tyler Francke: God of Evolution: GOE round-up: Intelligent design is ‘not’ anti-evolution? Really?
Sept 22, 2014: Breathecast: Creationist Ken Ham Fires Back at Christian Evolutionist Tyle Francke; Says Science Uses 'Man's Opinions' [AUDIO]
The always informative and yet sometimes controversial Bad Christian Podcast caught the attention of Creationist Ken Ham when he was informed of their interview with Tyler Francke. The Christian scientist provided a rebuttal toward some of Francke's thoughts on the origins of life.
Jan 30, 2014: Tyler Francke: God of Evolution: GOE round-up: Intelligent design is ‘not’ anti-evolution? Really?
==joshua franklin======
Rabbi Josh Franklin joined the Jewish Center of the Hamptons after serving for four years as an Associate Rabbi at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley, MA. Rabbi Franklin originates from Yonkers, NY, and grew up at Riverdale Temple in the Bronx, where his father was a rabbi. He spent his childhood summers growing up at URJ Eisner Camp, but has returned to serve for several years on the rabbinical faculty at URJ Crane Lake Camp. Before receiving his ordination at Hebrew Union College (HUC-JIR), Rabbi Franklin attended Clark University in Worcester, MA. There he graduated Magna Cum Laude, and majored in History with a concentration in Jewish Studies. He also received a Masters degree from Clark in History. While at HUC-JIR, he served numerous synagogues and Jewish institutions as a student rabbi and rabbinical intern including Beth Ha-Sholom of Williamsport, PA, Rodeph Shalom of Philadelphia, PA, DOROT of New York NY, Temple Sinai of Stamford, CT, and Beth El of Beckley, WV.
Religious leaders experiment with ChatGPT sermonsCase study:
Rabbi Joshua Franklin, of the Jewish Center of the Hamptons in East Hampton, New York, delivered what he warned his flock was a "plagiarized" sermon about the theme of vulnerability in a story from Genesis — and was shocked when congregants guessed that it had been written by his father or a famous rabbi rather than AI.
Rabbi Joshua Franklin, of the Jewish Center of the Hamptons in East Hampton, New York, delivered what he warned his flock was a "plagiarized" sermon about the theme of vulnerability in a story from Genesis — and was shocked when congregants guessed that it had been written by his father or a famous rabbi rather than AI.
- "The more I was able to prompt [ChatGPT] and tell it what I was looking for and describe the style of how I wanted it to write, the better it got," Franklin said.
- One notable missing piece: the rabbi's own perspective and anecdotes. Had he written the sermon himself, "I would have told a story — something about me that modeled my own vulnerability and showed how it was a strength," he said. (Jennifer A Kingson/Axios 3/10/23)
In December 2022, Rabbi Joshua Franklin gave an unusual message during a service at the Jewish Center of the Hamptons in East Hampton, New York.
“I’m going to plagiarize a sermon,” he told his congregation. “And you have to guess who wrote it.”
Franklin then delved into an illumination on the Parashat Vayigash, a portion of the Torah that tells the story of a reconciliation between brothers.
“This is a powerful lesson for all of us, as it shows the importance of being willing to draw near to others even when it’s difficult, in order to build intimacy and connection,” he went on.
At the end of the roughly two minute sermon, Franklin revealed the real author to murmurs and scattered applause: ChatGPT.
“You’re clapping,” he said. “But I’m terrified!”
While Franklin added that he gave the language learning model a very specific prompt, and could see details in the work that wouldn’t pass muster with a seasoned scholar, the experiment was received with equal parts awe and trepidation. Could the work of a faith leader – so intimately tied to the human experience – eventually be eclipsed by a computer?
--CNN; ChatGPT can write sermons. Religious leaders don’t know how to feel about it 4.11.23
“I’m going to plagiarize a sermon,” he told his congregation. “And you have to guess who wrote it.”
Franklin then delved into an illumination on the Parashat Vayigash, a portion of the Torah that tells the story of a reconciliation between brothers.
“This is a powerful lesson for all of us, as it shows the importance of being willing to draw near to others even when it’s difficult, in order to build intimacy and connection,” he went on.
At the end of the roughly two minute sermon, Franklin revealed the real author to murmurs and scattered applause: ChatGPT.
“You’re clapping,” he said. “But I’m terrified!”
While Franklin added that he gave the language learning model a very specific prompt, and could see details in the work that wouldn’t pass muster with a seasoned scholar, the experiment was received with equal parts awe and trepidation. Could the work of a faith leader – so intimately tied to the human experience – eventually be eclipsed by a computer?
--CNN; ChatGPT can write sermons. Religious leaders don’t know how to feel about it 4.11.23
==Robert Franklin======
Robert M. Franklin provides first-person advice and insight as he identifies the crises resident within three anchor institutions that have played key roles in the black struggle for freedom. Black families face a "crisis of commitment" evident in the rising rates of father absence, births to unmarried parents, divorce, and domestic abuse or relationship violence.Black churches face a "mission crisis" as they struggle to serve their upwardly mobile and/or established middle class "paying customers" alongside the poorest of the poor. Historically black colleges and universities face a crisis of "relevance and purpose" as they now compete for the best students and faculty with the broad marketplace of colleges. With clarity and passion, Franklin calls for practical and comprehensive action for change from within the African American community and from all Americans.
July 25, 2023: Sight: Church and politics: Some critics see Trump's behaviour as un-Christian. His conservative Christian backers see a hero
Robert Franklin, professor of moral leadership at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, said Trump benefits from a perception among some of his followers that he is suffering on their behalf.
“The more he complains of persecution, the more people dig in to support him, and for a few, fight for him and make personal sacrifices [of money and freedom] for his advancement,” Franklin said via email.
Franklin also noted that some evangelicals, since early in Trump’s presidency, have likened him to Cyrus the Great, the Persian king who, according to the Bible, enabled Jews to return to Israel from their exile in Babylon.
“This is a powerful trope, the bad man who makes good things possible, and is hence praised as a hero,” Franklin said. “Unfortunately, under this narrative, Trump can literally do no wrong. His wrong is right. No other politician gets that kind of pass.”
Robert Franklin, professor of moral leadership at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, said Trump benefits from a perception among some of his followers that he is suffering on their behalf.
“The more he complains of persecution, the more people dig in to support him, and for a few, fight for him and make personal sacrifices [of money and freedom] for his advancement,” Franklin said via email.
Franklin also noted that some evangelicals, since early in Trump’s presidency, have likened him to Cyrus the Great, the Persian king who, according to the Bible, enabled Jews to return to Israel from their exile in Babylon.
“This is a powerful trope, the bad man who makes good things possible, and is hence praised as a hero,” Franklin said. “Unfortunately, under this narrative, Trump can literally do no wrong. His wrong is right. No other politician gets that kind of pass.”
Robert Franklin
“The more he complains of persecution, the more people dig in to support him, and for a few, fight for him and make personal sacrifices [of money and freedom] for his advancement..... Some evangelicals, since early in Trump’s presidency, have likened him to Cyrus the Great, the Persian king who, according to the Bible, enabled Jews to return to Israel from their exile in Babylon. This is a powerful trope, the bad man who makes good things possible, and is hence praised as a hero. Unfortunately, under this narrative, Trump can literally do no wrong. His wrong is right. No other politician gets that kind of pass.” --Robert Franklin 7.25.23
==landry franks======
Landry Franks was born in Keller Texas, but spent most of his childhood in Edmond, Oklahoma. It was there at Henderson Hill Baptist Church that he first heard the gospel, believed in this good news. In high school, Landry began to feel like his calling and gifting was to work in and serve the local church. Landry moved to Oklahoma City for college and met his wife, and also started interning at Council Road Baptist Church, in Bethany, Oklahoma. He has served in different capacities for nearly 15 years including: Middle School Minister, High School Pastor, College/Young Adults Pastor, and now Groups Pastor.
Landry Franks
Verses 1 and 2 provide two central characters for this story, the sinners and tax collectors, and the Scribes and Pharisees. The sinners are called this because their sin was public to the community. The Scribes and Pharisees were the cultural elite and believed what your life looked like was far more important than the state of your heart. Jesus’ teaching in Luke 15 is geared toward a heart transformation. He wants us all to see that, whether sinner or Pharisee, we are all broken. The prodigal son is written for the Pharisee to see the pride they harbor in their own works, and because of this they miss the glory of God in salvation. Maybe you feel like your faith is more about your own deeds and not what Christ has done on your behalf. This Easter, repent and trust Christ’s work more than your own. We all need the Gospel, even if we act like we really don’t.
--Landry Franks; Council Road Baptist Church 4.24.19
--Landry Franks; Council Road Baptist Church 4.24.19
==douglas r frayne======
Douglas R Frayne
“The “terror of the night” (is) a demon whose name occurs once in the Hebrew Bible.” And this single occurrence of this name is only found in Psalm 91.” --Douglas R. Frayne
==daniel fredrick======
Feb 28, 2023: The Herald Bulletin: Saving the Sacred: Indiana church closings cause real estate concerns
When church leaders come to Daniel Frederick, it’s never good news.
Frederick leads Indiana Landmark’s Sacred Places program. Since 2015, the nonprofit has worked to help congregations stay in their historic buildings before evacuation and demolition become the only options.
When church leaders come to Daniel Frederick, it’s never good news.
Frederick leads Indiana Landmark’s Sacred Places program. Since 2015, the nonprofit has worked to help congregations stay in their historic buildings before evacuation and demolition become the only options.
==guy frederick======
Guy Fredrick is the Senior Pastor of Mapledale Baptist Church since 2012..
SBC Executive Committee member once again criticized for sexually crude social media posts
For the second time in 16 months, a member of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee has been called out for crude and sexually charged social media posts. Guy Fredrick is a pastor and associational leader from Sheboygan, Wis. In October 2021, he was roundly criticized for a Facebook post that made a crude joke about workplace sexual harassment. That happened while the Executive Committee, on which he serves as a trustee, was weighing serious legal concerns about allegations of sexual abuse in SBC churches and agencies had been mishandled and ignored. Fredrick’s insensitivity then appeared to illustrate the very kind of “boys will be boys” attitude that got skewered in the subsequent investigation by Guidepost Solutions — an investigation Fredrick as a committee member had questioned. (Mark Wingfield/Baptist News Global 3/2/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
For the second time in 16 months, a member of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee has been called out for crude and sexually charged social media posts. Guy Fredrick is a pastor and associational leader from Sheboygan, Wis. In October 2021, he was roundly criticized for a Facebook post that made a crude joke about workplace sexual harassment. That happened while the Executive Committee, on which he serves as a trustee, was weighing serious legal concerns about allegations of sexual abuse in SBC churches and agencies had been mishandled and ignored. Fredrick’s insensitivity then appeared to illustrate the very kind of “boys will be boys” attitude that got skewered in the subsequent investigation by Guidepost Solutions — an investigation Fredrick as a committee member had questioned. (Mark Wingfield/Baptist News Global 3/2/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
==curtis freeman======
Jan 10, 2023: Baptist News Global: The New Apostolic Reformation drove the January 6 riots, so why was it overlooked by the House Select Committee?
Curtis Freeman, professor at Duke Divinity School, tweeted: “NC ranks #11 in arrests of Capitol Rioters. Not surprisingly there is NO mention of religious involvement. It would be interesting to learn the church connection of NC Rioters. The theology of domestic terrorism remains unmoved.”
Curtis Freeman, professor at Duke Divinity School, tweeted: “NC ranks #11 in arrests of Capitol Rioters. Not surprisingly there is NO mention of religious involvement. It would be interesting to learn the church connection of NC Rioters. The theology of domestic terrorism remains unmoved.”
==david french======
Amid film backlash, evangelical leaders double down on denouncing Christian nationalism
Prominent Nashville area evangelical Christian voices believe speaking out about Christian nationalism is more important than ever, even if it’s costing them their reputation within some conservative Christian circles.
Two of those voices, Russell Moore and David French, addressed controversy surrounding their outspokenness at a panel that accompanied an early screening of the documentary “God & Country.” Set to release in theaters in early February, the film features a range of conservative to progressive Christian voices to comment on the right-wing movement which believes America was founded upon “Judeo-Christian” values.
(Liam Adams/The Tennesseean 1/27/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Prominent Nashville area evangelical Christian voices believe speaking out about Christian nationalism is more important than ever, even if it’s costing them their reputation within some conservative Christian circles.
Two of those voices, Russell Moore and David French, addressed controversy surrounding their outspokenness at a panel that accompanied an early screening of the documentary “God & Country.” Set to release in theaters in early February, the film features a range of conservative to progressive Christian voices to comment on the right-wing movement which believes America was founded upon “Judeo-Christian” values.
(Liam Adams/The Tennesseean 1/27/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==lance fricke======
July 13, 2023: Politico: DeSantis is hoping Iowa evangelicals can make his campaign born again
“Life is the most important thing, and if you don’t get that one right, why would you get anything else right?” said Lance Fricke, pastor of Triumphant Church in Independence, Iowa. Fricke, who lamented the “vitriol” toward Trump this cycle, nevertheless predicted a strong showing for DeSantis among evangelicals in Iowa.
“Life is the most important thing, and if you don’t get that one right, why would you get anything else right?” said Lance Fricke, pastor of Triumphant Church in Independence, Iowa. Fricke, who lamented the “vitriol” toward Trump this cycle, nevertheless predicted a strong showing for DeSantis among evangelicals in Iowa.
==aaron fry======
Aaron Fry received the call to pastor July 31, 2016, specifically where he grew up, in the Licking Heights School District in Pataskala, Ohio. Sozo Church was founded and established in the home of Aaron’s parents, Bob and Kathy Fry, in May of 2019, to become a life giving church to bring lasting change to the community and beyond.
March 2, 2023: Christian Post: ‘A ripple effect from Asbury’: Secular universities now seeing revival gatherings on their campuses
Pastor Aaron Fry of Sozo Church in Columbus, Ohio, told CP that he attended the Asbury revival on Feb. 17 and the OSU prayer and worship gathering last Thursday along with his wife: “There were people in the room that have been praying for revival on campus for at least 15 years. My wife and I went to support and pray alongside these students. I believe that those who are blazing the trail at OSU are more qualified in these moments to speak into this.”
Pastor Aaron Fry of Sozo Church in Columbus, Ohio, told CP that he attended the Asbury revival on Feb. 17 and the OSU prayer and worship gathering last Thursday along with his wife: “There were people in the room that have been praying for revival on campus for at least 15 years. My wife and I went to support and pray alongside these students. I believe that those who are blazing the trail at OSU are more qualified in these moments to speak into this.”
===ralph fudge==========
Ralph Fudge is the pastor of Big Ochlocknee Baptist Church in Coolidge, Ga., and has a Master’s degree in
theology from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
theology from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Commentary: Christians find meaning in their faith
I like best the famous apologetic put forth by the genius Blaise Pascal. It is called Pascal’s Wager and says, “If one wagers that God exists and He does, one has gained eternal life and infinite happiness. If He does not exist, one has lost nothing. On the other hand, if one wagers that God does not exist and He does, then one has suffered infinite loss. If He does not in fact exist, then one has gained nothing. Hence the only prudent choice is to believe that God exists.” Again, let me say that life without belief in God can have no real meaning at all. And such a life will always end tragically with the loss of all possibility of happiness both today and forever.
(Ralph Fudge; The Christian Index 10/27/24) READ MORE>>>>>
I like best the famous apologetic put forth by the genius Blaise Pascal. It is called Pascal’s Wager and says, “If one wagers that God exists and He does, one has gained eternal life and infinite happiness. If He does not exist, one has lost nothing. On the other hand, if one wagers that God does not exist and He does, then one has suffered infinite loss. If He does not in fact exist, then one has gained nothing. Hence the only prudent choice is to believe that God exists.” Again, let me say that life without belief in God can have no real meaning at all. And such a life will always end tragically with the loss of all possibility of happiness both today and forever.
(Ralph Fudge; The Christian Index 10/27/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==dean fulks======
'A broken nation': Columbus church leaders call for unity after Trump rally Shooting
Pastor Dean Fulks of Lifepoint Church in Lewis Center asked his congregation to pray for U.S. leaders, first responders and the Secret Service agents who protected Trump by shielding him with their bodies. He said their selflessness is a reminder of the Bible's teachings. "God, will you remind us that we are light in the middle of darkness, that evil is at work in the world, but God, we have the opportunity, we know truth, we have answers, we have hope," Fulks said in his sermon, which The Dispatch watched via livestream.
(Columbus Dispatch 7/14/24) READMORE>>>>>
Pastor Dean Fulks of Lifepoint Church in Lewis Center asked his congregation to pray for U.S. leaders, first responders and the Secret Service agents who protected Trump by shielding him with their bodies. He said their selflessness is a reminder of the Bible's teachings. "God, will you remind us that we are light in the middle of darkness, that evil is at work in the world, but God, we have the opportunity, we know truth, we have answers, we have hope," Fulks said in his sermon, which The Dispatch watched via livestream.
(Columbus Dispatch 7/14/24) READMORE>>>>>
==carlton funderburke======
Aug 18, 2022: Christian Post: Missouri Pastor Rips 'Disgusting' Churchgoers Who Didn't Buy Him A Fancy Watch
A Missouri pastor is apologizing after a video featuring his rant about being over his “busted and disgusted” congregation circulated on TikTok.
The clip featured Carlton Funderburke, senior pastor at Kansas City’s Church at The Well, telling churchgoers they were “cheap sons and daughters” for not honoring their pastor by buying him a Movado watch.
A Missouri pastor is apologizing after a video featuring his rant about being over his “busted and disgusted” congregation circulated on TikTok.
The clip featured Carlton Funderburke, senior pastor at Kansas City’s Church at The Well, telling churchgoers they were “cheap sons and daughters” for not honoring their pastor by buying him a Movado watch.
==Timothy R. Furnish=====
Timothy R. Furnish is a conservative Christian with a PhD in Islamic history, a US Army veteran, and a published author of one book and numerous articles in venues such as The Weekly Standard, The Washington Times, The Lutheran Witness and History News Network (HNN). His website is www.mahdiwatch.org and he also blogs on HNN as Occidental Jihadist.
Feb 25, 2015: View From the Bunker: VFTB 229: Timothy Furnish – What ISIS Believes
Dr. Timothy R. Furnish, a consultant, researcher and author on the topics of Islam, Mahdism, Jihadism, Shi`ism, and other Islamic sects, discusses the eschatology of the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL), how much its religious beliefs differ from mainstream Islam (hint: they really don’t), and how the group’s view of end times prophecy directs its bloody political, military, and religious agenda.
Dr. Timothy R. Furnish, a consultant, researcher and author on the topics of Islam, Mahdism, Jihadism, Shi`ism, and other Islamic sects, discusses the eschatology of the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL), how much its religious beliefs differ from mainstream Islam (hint: they really don’t), and how the group’s view of end times prophecy directs its bloody political, military, and religious agenda.
==steven furtick======
Larry Stevens Furtick Jr. (born February 19, 1980) is an American Baptist evangelical Christian pastor, author, and songwriter of Elevation Worship. He is the founder and senior pastor of Elevation Church, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He studied at North Greenville University in communication and earned a Bachelor of Arts, then he studied at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and earned a Master of Divinity.
Leonardo Blair
The more than 10,000-member Elevation Church in North Carolina, led by celebrity preacher Steven Furtick, has withdrawn its affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention after more than 20 years of cooperation with the nation's largest Protestant denomination.
While Elevation Church did not appear to make the decision public, a copy of a letter published online dated June 26 shows that the church informed the SBC Executive Committee that its withdrawal from the denomination was "effective immediately."
"This letter is to inform you that Elevation Church is withdrawing its affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention effective immediately. You will find that our Statement of Beliefs on our website is very much in line with the Baptist Faith and Message — we have no intention of changing those core beliefs," Chunks Corbett, CFO of the North Carolina megachurch, wrote in the letter.
"We have no plans to make a public announcement on this decision — we have too much to do in reaching a world that needs the love of Jesus. Should your Credentials Committee decide to make this decision by Elevation public, we will only respond with a copy of this letter in anyone inquiring about the notification," Corbett added. --Leonardo Blair: Christian Post: Elevation Church withdraws affiliation with Southern Baptist Convention 6.30.23
While Elevation Church did not appear to make the decision public, a copy of a letter published online dated June 26 shows that the church informed the SBC Executive Committee that its withdrawal from the denomination was "effective immediately."
"This letter is to inform you that Elevation Church is withdrawing its affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention effective immediately. You will find that our Statement of Beliefs on our website is very much in line with the Baptist Faith and Message — we have no intention of changing those core beliefs," Chunks Corbett, CFO of the North Carolina megachurch, wrote in the letter.
"We have no plans to make a public announcement on this decision — we have too much to do in reaching a world that needs the love of Jesus. Should your Credentials Committee decide to make this decision by Elevation public, we will only respond with a copy of this letter in anyone inquiring about the notification," Corbett added. --Leonardo Blair: Christian Post: Elevation Church withdraws affiliation with Southern Baptist Convention 6.30.23